Week #31 Insights: July 29 - August 4

This week's blurbs are written by Pastor Eric Schroeder (Monday) and Debbie Stamm (Tuesday - Sunday).

July 29 – 1 Corinthians 8: This chapter’s particular concern might not seem to affect our lives a great deal—but the principles governing the discussion certainly still apply. Can you think of a situation where what you choose to do (or choose not to do) might have great influence over someone else’s faith? A situation where a behavior that isn’t inherently wrong becomes sinful because you aren’t considering the way you might affect the faith of your brothers and sisters in Christ? Paul sets an example by erring on the side of love. Rather than toe the line and do everything he can get away with (without actually sinning), he chooses what benefits the weak. He sets aside the exercise of his freedom so that others might gain strength. The conscience is a fragile thing. Soon (in Ephesians) we will read the value of “speaking the truth in love.” Isn’t it refreshing to see a man practicing what he preaches? Study question: Maybe you can look back and see how God worked through patient people to bring you along in the faith…Is there someone in your life for whom you might invest some time and effort in a mentorship role?
 
July 30 – 1 Corinthians 9: In this section Paul shares in his letter to the Corinthian Christians that although he is entitled to certain rights as an apostle he waives these benefits in order to win more people for Christ through the gospel. Like Jesus, Paul served the people by finding a common thread with which to connect to them. He approached the gospel from the viewpoint of the Law of Moses to show the Jews their Savior foreshadowed in the Old Testament prophecies. To the Gentiles he did not observe Jewish ceremonial law, making it clear they did not have to become Jewish to become followers of Jesus. Although accommodating himself to win over “the weak by becoming weak” (v.22), Paul never compromised his faith in Christ. Study question: Reflect on Paul’s example. How can we better connect with co-workers, neighbors, friends, and family members who are not close to Jesus and share the Good News with them?
 
July 31 – 1 Corinthians 10:1-22: Paul revisits the subject of idol worship he discussed in chapter 8. He shares a segment of history that should hit close to home for his friends in Corinth. They appear to share some similarities to the Israelites during their deliverance from Egypt: dabbling in idolatry and pagan ceremonies, showing impatience towards God, and complaining against God and his representatives. Although the children of Israel were God’s chosen people, this privilege would not save them from his righteous judgment for their disobedience. Satan works to individualize the idols he sets before us to deflect our focus on God. Paul’s advice to the Corinthians to “stand firm” – “be careful” – “don’t fall” is a warning to us also. Along with the warning he provides a reminder of God’s faithfulness and promises. Temptation is a guarantee in this life. But through his grace he will sustain us and provide an alternative. Study question: Is there a temptation that continues to trouble you? Take your troubled heart to your Lord in prayer. Ask him to give you strength, guide you with his wisdom, and keep you planted firmly in his word.

August 1 – 1 Corinthians 10:23 – 11:1: Christian freedom had to be incredibly appealing to Jews who had been under strict ordinances and laws for generations. Through Christ’s perfect keeping of the law, death, and resurrection they were provided permission to no longer follow dietary and other Old Testament laws. It appeared the new-found freedom expressed by some Corinthians distressed Paul due to their disregard for the feelings of other Christians. Their thoughtless actions might drive their fellow Christians away from the church. He cautioned them by repeating words from Chapter 6, “everything is permissible – but not everything is beneficial”, and adds, “not everything is constructive.” With freedom comes responsibility. Just because something is permitted doesn’t mean it’s a good idea if it causes another to stumble. In exercising our Christian freedom may we always be mindful not to be an obstacle to the very gospel that granted us that freedom. Study question: We glorify God when we put the welfare of others before ourselves. Re-read verses 31-33. What principle should guide us in the practice of our Christian freedom?
 
August 2 – 1 Corinthians 11:2-16: The congregation in Corinth definitely had its problems, but Paul begins this section of his letter with a bit of praise. He commends them for holding to the true doctrine and requesting his guidance with the problems that had risen among them. It appeared there were some issues with worship structure that Paul needed to address with them. Apparently some men and women were not following the guidelines for headwear and hair length that distinguished their gender differences. What they were or were not putting on their heads was symbolic of their attitudes in worship and acknowledging the “headship” of God through Christ. Paul points out that by not adhering to what was considered respectful and orderly during worship, the Corinthian Christians were not glorifying their Creator. Study question: We are created in God’s image and he established a difference in the roles between men and women. Why is it important to respect the principle of headship?
 
August 3 – 1 Corinthians 11:17-34: Today’s reading concerns a serious problem Paul needed to confront with his friends in Corinth. Although the church carried on the practice of the Lord’s Supper, the way they were observing it demonstrated to Paul they had lost all connection to its meaning. When they should have been joining together to remember the extreme sacrifice Jesus had made for them, they divided into their own social circles missing the opportunity to commune together. Instead of coming together, they were coming apart! Paul explained the lessons he would be teaching them came directly from the Lord. He outlined the night Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper to remind them, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21) He also directed them to search their heart and humbly confess their sins before partaking of this thanksgiving meal. Study question: How can Paul’s instruction to the Corinthians bring a fresh perspective to our preparations as we approach the Lord’s table?
 
August 4 – 1 Corinthians 12:1-31a: The analogy of the human body that Paul uses to illustrate how God uses spiritual gifts among the body of believers is very effective. Some gifts are very visible, some are under the surface – but all are vital. Many people think there isn’t much that goes on inside a church other than on Sunday mornings. A walk through St. John’s on any given day shows many people using and developing their spiritual gifts. Different personalities, varied levels of education, diverse backgrounds – all accomplishing their Lord’s purpose through the gifts he has given to each of them. Study question: What gifts has the Holy Spirit bestowed on you? How can you use your gifts to serve “the body of believers”?